Afghanistan: NATO officials stated that a Taliban commander believed linked to the helicopter crash that killed 30 US soldiers last month was killed by an air strike in Wardak province. (AFP)

China: Officials issued stern condemnation of a US deal with Taiwan over F-16 fighter aircraft. (AP)

Korean Peninsula: South Korean officials announced that North Korea had agreed to a second round of talks with the United States on restarting the six-party negotiations. (Reuters)

Pakistan: US officials stated there was more evidence linking the ISI to the Haqqani network in Afghanistan, and US lawmakers made continued aid for Pakistan contingent on a crackdown on that group. (Reuters)

EUROPE

Russia: One person was killed and 60 injured after two bombings struck Makhachkala in Dagestan. (RIA Novosti)